Resolution of radio frequency exposure concerns at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution with a collaborative approach

Numerous employees at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) have expressed health concerns about occupational exposures to various radio frequency radiation (RFR) sources. These RFR sources of concern include primarily radar systems (ship and experimental) and various communication systems (ship, roof top transmitting and receiving antennas, and portable transceivers). A certified testing service and an independent health physics consultant evaluated the RFR exposures using appropriate methods and concluded that all occupied work areas were below the applicable maximum permissible exposure (MPE) limits. Despite these independent conclusions, numerous employees continued to express health concerns and an interest in evaluating their exposures with a monitoring device that was more representative of their personal exposure (i.e., could be worn on body). To facilitate resolution of these concerns, a collaborative approach between the Environmental, Health & Safety Office and the concerned employees was developed that included: 1) a literature search was conducted and information on RFR health effects, exposure limits, and assessment methods was compiled and made available to all concerned employees; 2) all RFR sources of concern were identified and characterized by frequency; 3) an RFR personal monitor was evaluated and selected; 4) RFR exposures were evaluated with full-shift monitoring; and 5) data logged monitoring results and the relevant exposure limits were evaluated. All monitored exposures have been less than 10% of the MPE limit from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standard C95.1-1999 for controlled areas, and all occupational RFR exposure concerns have been resolved.